From Birmingham FA

Birmingham County FA’s Discipline Manager has issued a stark warning after a dramatic increase in cases of misconduct by spectators and club officials.
Last week saw eight incidents reported and two games abandoned; all involved youth or child’s football – including one at under-9 level. Birmingham County FA has seen figures consistently low in previous years, receiving an average of two or three cases each week.

Mike Fellows is keen to stress that players are not to blame for the increase:

“These incidents involve grown adults who are supposed to be responsible for the children out there on the football pitch.”

One case includes the first assault on a young referee by a spectator since the BCFA launched its “Respect the Ref” campaign back in 2002.
“We will not tolerate any abuse towards young players and match officials and any club or individual accepting charges or having cases proven against them can expect substantial fines and their future behaviour to be monitored,” added Mike.

This week saw one such case where two clubs were dealt fines of £300 by a Disciplinary Commission. An initial £75 is to be paid immediately with £225 suspended until 2011. Should they be involved in any serious misconduct in the next two years, the club will be liable to pay the full amount.

“In terms of grassroots football this is a huge fine and we hope a deterrent to those who seem intent to give our game a bad name.

“These individuals seem to have forgotten that football is about enjoyment – for the young players and referees who are just starting out on their careers,” said Mike.

This warning comes a week after The FA launched an online film that aims to improve parental behaviour on the touchline at youth matches.

The film stars Ray Winstone and promotes The FA’s new Respect Parent Guide after research showed that more than 7,000 youngsters had hung up their boots over the last couple of years due to pressure from the sidelines.

“I would urge everyone involved in football to watch the video,” said Mike Fellows. “It may go a way to showing just what might happen if we don’t all join together to stamp out this irresponsible behaviour that seems to be rearing its ugly head.”